The Los Angeles Clippers are set to celebrate a major local sports achievement this week. On Wednesday night, during their marquee matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Intuit Dome, the Clippers will honor the UCLA women's basketball team for capturing the 2026 NCAA national championship.
This special recognition comes on the heels of UCLA's own campus celebration at Pauley Pavilion, which begins at 6:00 pm and is free to the public. For fans who can't make it to the NBA game, the on-campus event offers a fantastic alternative to cheer on the Bruins.
The Clippers are continuing a proud Los Angeles tradition of professional teams saluting UCLA's success. Just a night earlier, the Los Angeles Lakers honored the champions after the first quarter of their own game against the Thunder. The Lakers' deep ties to UCLA, featuring legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, made their tribute a fitting nod to history.
It appears the celebration is just beginning for the Bruins. Following the Clippers' event, other LA franchises are expected to host their own recognitions. Los Angeles Dodgers manager and UCLA Hall of Famer Dave Roberts has already publicly congratulated the team, and the back-to-back World Series champions will likely invite the squad to Dodger Stadium for a ceremony soon.
Beyond the stadium lights, the championship team is enjoying a well-deserved media tour. Head coach Cori Close, along with graduating stars Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, and Angela Dugalić, recently appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", showcasing the team's talent and charisma to a national audience. It's a thrilling time for UCLA basketball, and the city of Los Angeles is rallying to show its support.
